Color Harmony Secrets – How to Make Any Portrait POP!

Ever wonder why some portraits just feel right? It often comes down to color. In this video, I’ll teach you how to use color harmony to elevate your photography — whether you’re working with gels, RGB lights, or just choosing the right background and wardrobe. You’ll learn the six types of color harmony, when to use them, how to blend colored lighting using RGB/CMY principles, and how to avoid common lighting color mistakes (like mixing yellow and blue and expecting green!). I’ll also show you real-world lighting setups using tools like the Nanlite Forza 60C, Elinchrom FIVE, and Rosco gels — so you can apply this instantly in your own studio or location shoots. 🎨 What You’ll Learn: •The six core types of color harmony and how they affect mood •Blending gels, RGB, and LED lighting with intention •Color theory tips for portraits that pop — no matter your gear 🔗 Links & Resources: 📘 Master Color Lighting – Get my lighting handbook with over 20 setups: https://johngress.com/lightinghandbooks/ 💡 Gear I Used in This Video: 🎨 Color Wheels RGB Color Wheel: https://amzn.to/3Q6qCPd RYB Color Wheel: https://amzn.to/3EFoF9W 💡 Lighting Equipment Elinchrom FIVE Amazon https://amzn.to/3Um6V61 B&H https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ Elinchrom 8.3" Standard Reflector with 30 Degree Grid B&H https://bhpho.to/4731i3t Nanlite Forza 60C RGBLAC LED Spot Light Amazon https://amzn.to/43X2gNl B&H https://bhpho.to/3JxYYIl Nanlite Forza PJ-FMM Projection Attachment with 36° Lens for FM Mount Amazon https://amzn.to/3SaBY6I Nanlite https://nanlite.pxf.io/LXdZM3 B&H https://bhpho.to/47q3HF2 Nanlite PavoTube II 30C 4′ 55W RGBWW LED Tube 4-Light Kit Amazon https://amzn.to/3rJgmUa B&H https://bhpho.to/3rSengz 🎭 Rosco Gels Rosco CalColor #4690 Red Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/4quSwoV B&H https://bhpho.to/3LnSKPr Rosco CalColor #4490 Green Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet B&H https://bhpho.to/4qqZ3AL Rosco CalColor #4290 Blue Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/4r7r1lb B&H https://bhpho.to/4qyoMHJ Rosco CalColor #4390 Cyan Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/49FkW8k B&H https://bhpho.to/3LV35SW Rosco CalColor #4790 Magenta Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet B&Hhttps://bhpho.to/45RPHWt Rosco CalColor #4590 Yellow Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/45ZlMvu B&H https://bhpho.to/3Nr9iGO Rosco 3407 RoscoSun Cinegel CTO, 20x24” Amazon https://amzn.to/3LV0V5M B&H https://bhpho.to/4k7E2sN Rosco Cinegel Full Blue (CTB), 20x24” Amazon https://amzn.to/3Nlm1Lc B&H https://bhpho.to/4jOHCYw Rosco #3220 Double Blue CTB Color Conversion Gel Filter, 20x24” B&H https://bhpho.to/4r4fp2d 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:33 - Understanding color harmony 02:03 - Types of color harmony 03:44 - Blending colored light 09:19 - Analogous or split complementary? 09:31 - Link to Pavo Tubes 11:19 - RGB = CMY 14:34 - Taste the Rainbow 15:59 - When should you use colored light? 16:59 - Continued learning 17:23 - Final Thoughts Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - https://johngress.com/gear/ Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission — at no additional cost to you. #ColorHarmony #PhotographyLighting #PortraitPhotography #StudioLighting #LightingTechniques #PhotographyForBeginners